Indiana University lauds decision by Baxter to expand operations at Bloomington

EDITORS: More information about this announcement is available from the Bloomington Economic Development Corp. Contact Linda Williamson, president of BEDC, at 812-335-7346.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University praised an announcement today (June 4) by Baxter Healthcare Corp. that it will greatly expand its operations in Bloomington, Ind., continuing the community's legacy as an active partner in the state's biomedical industry.

Baxter announced plans to enhance its parenteral contract manufacturing services for pharmaceutical and biotech companies by expanding its Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions LLC manufacturing facility in Bloomington.

"Baxter's expansion of its Bloomington manufacturing facility holds great promise for the collaborations among business, government and higher education that are so essential in our efforts to build a 21st-century Hoosier economy," said Interim IU President Gerald L. Bepko. "The services that Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions provides for the biotech and drug industries will be important to the new companies emerging from the discoveries of Indiana University researchers working in the life sciences."

Kumble R. Subbaswamy, dean of the IU College of Arts and Sciences, added, "This vote of confidence by Baxter firmly establishes Bloomington as a critical anchor point in the Central Indiana life sciences corridor."

Baxter's 120,000-square-foot expansion unveiled today will support additional syringe-filling and vial-filling lines, a lyophilization suite, a new research laboratory and additional laboratories and administrative offices. The company will almost double its capacity in pre-filled syringes. According to the company's announcement, its total investment is expected to be approximately $100 million over seven years. More than 700 new jobs are expected to be added, including professional, hourly and management employees.